The Strategy

1.32 The strategy consists of the core land use objectives derived from the plan’s vision and aims as they apply to the North East. A framework identifying the full set of relationships between aims and objectives is included in the Report of Survey’s Addendum. The core objectives are supported by more detailed locational objectives, which set the guidelines for allocating development on the ground. Table 1 (page 14) and Figure 1 (page 15) then relate the objectives to the geography of the North East. The main elements are also shown in an indicative form in the Key Diagram (page 62).

Core Objectives

1.33 The most critical resources affected directly by the planning system are land, energy and fuel, our use of which dictates our effect on the rest of the community, economy and environment. The main thrust of the strategy is therefore to concentrate on reducing waste in these resources and ensuring that, where they are used, they are used to their maximum potential. Thus the core objectives are to focus future development on existing settlements, and to reduce both the need to travel and the environmental cost of travelling.

1.34 This leads in turn to the concept of "connecting communities". By this, we mean the integration of employment, housing and services in a hierarchy of settlements ranging in scale from Aberdeen down to the smallest settlement which has at least some services, in such a way that viable services are available in the most effective way to all.

1.35 It also means that the settlement hierarchy is defined by location in the development corridors which are related to the long-term planned expansion of an integrated transport network. In essence the resulting strategy focuses future development on the main settlements, although other proposals that support local communities will also be accommodated by opportunities identified in local plans.

1.36 Within this context of integration and connecting communities, it is the needs of economic location and potential that tend to drive what else is possible. The core strategic objective in this case is to develop a stronger competitive edge for the area’s overall economy, based on its natural strengths and the growth sectors of sustainable business. At the same time it is also essential to continue to support the economy of all the area’s local communities as far as possible.